Work

The dynamics of protest participation patterns: analysis of the Polish case

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: A variety of research techniques, including survey research, are used to estimate the participation turnout in nonviolent protests. The issues with survey data interpretation, as well as any discrepancies and emerging research methodologies, are illustrated using Poland as an example. The problems of comparison and measurement that have been identified include: (1) non-random distribution of activism in the population, (2) variability of the pattern over time (dynamics of contention), and (3) sampling and format of questions in surveys. A comparison with the protest cultures of other European countries highlights that Poland has some of the lowest average values of declared engagement in demonstrations. However, it also points to a significant dynamic increase in 2022 and differences in declaration levels during the studied period (2006–2022). The obtained results based on Polish national survey (CBOS) and European Social Survey indicate a rising trend in recent years in Poland, with a straightforward estimation suggesting an annual average participation of around 1.8 million adult citizens in street demonstrations from 2016 to 2022. Research conducted within the ESS indicates higher values for the same period, at around 2.6 million.

Source: International Review of Sociology

DOI: 10.1080/03906701.2024.2417654

Author: Maciej Kowalewski

Institution: University of Szczecin

Language: English

Topic: Electoral Systems and Political Participation

Subfield: Political Science and International Relations

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: Narodowe Centrum Nauki